FAQ

A psychologist is a certified professional with an in-depth understanding of human behavior and emotions. Their education typically includes an undergraduate degree in psychology (3, 4, or 5 years depending on the university), followed by postgraduate studies (clinical training, a master’s degree, and/or a doctorate).

A clinical psychologist is also trained in multiple therapeutic techniques to assess mental health issues and help people overcome their personal difficulties. Each country has its own regulations governing the practice of psychology.

If you are consulting online and need your psychotherapy to be covered by your insurance, make sure that your psychologist is licensed in your country. If your health insurance does not cover psychotherapy and you are consulting privately, simply ensure that the professional holds a valid license in their country.

Psychotherapy is a process of self-understanding that anyone can begin, knowing they will be able to speak openly about their feelings, emotions, and struggles without fear of being judged. It is a safe space where one can be heard, understood, and receive constructive feedback.

It is also a journey into the deeper parts of oneself — an exploration of the origins of our behaviors and interpersonal dynamics.

A meeting with oneself, on a mission to remove anything that stands between us and our happiness.

The development of new technologies has opened new paths of interaction and a whole universe of possibilities.

Nowadays, consulting a psychologist without leaving home — or even from your phone while having a coffee or during a trip — is not only possible but increasingly common, accepted, and regulated by psychological associations around the world. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

Comfort: You can meet with your psychologist from anywhere in the world. You may choose the comfort of your home, a café, a store, or even while on vacation. The level of privacy will depend on your own needs and circumstances.

Cost: Since there are usually no office-related expenses, online sessions are often more affordable and accessible to everyone. Additionally, you don’t need to pay for transportation or parking — or deal with heavy traffic.

Accessibility and anonymity: For those living in small or remote towns where everyone knows each other, it can be difficult to find a professional with whom to discuss personal matters. Online psychotherapy offers the opportunity to consult a licensed psychologist without the risk of running into them at the supermarket or local café. This feature is also an advantage for public figures who prefer greater privacy (celebrities, politicians, teachers, etc.).

Distance and closeness: Even if it may sound paradoxical, online psychotherapy — by removing physical contact — creates a framework in which all the energy is focused on verbal communication. For this reason, some people find it easier to speak more openly about their feelings than in a face-to-face meeting.

Difficulties related to technology:

• Not everyone feels comfortable using the applications or software required for video chat. Make sure you are familiar with the program chosen for your sessions.

• Sometimes the internet connection may drop or become unstable. Be sure to discuss with your psychotherapist what procedure to follow in such cases.

Difficulties related to the legal framework:
Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding the practice of psychotherapy, and psychologists must adhere to them.

In some countries, the legal framework considers that the client virtually enters the psychologist’s office. This means that the service is deemed to have been provided within the psychologist’s jurisdiction, and therefore the psychologist must comply with the laws of their own region.

However, in most regions, the psychologist is considered to be virtually entering the client’s place of residence. This distinction is extremely important because the psychologist may require a special license to practice outside their own jurisdiction.

In any case, these considerations must be clarified for insurance purposes (reliability, responsibility, and coverage).

Ethics and security:
Psychologists who offer online therapy must follow the same code of ethics used in face-to-face psychotherapy. However, the use of technology increases the potential risk related to data security, which should be discussed before starting the sessions.

Considerations regarding the type of communication:

• Most psychologists agree on the importance of having access to full body language, as it often reveals more about a person’s feelings than their words do. Teletherapy, even with video, does not allow the therapist to fully observe body language, since only the face is usually visible.

• Nonetheless, physical distance can create a sense of safety that helps people open up more easily. Being in their own environment and having the computer as a kind of emotional shield can make clients feel more confident and secure.

• Some people choose to access teletherapy through chat only. This approach is more delicate, since there is no body language or tone of voice, and the psychologist must rely entirely on their ability to interpret emotions and needs through written words. This type of therapy requires complete, open, and honest communication. Fortunately, people who seek help exclusively through written communication usually understand this, and they tend to express themselves more directly and quickly about what is truly bothering them.

• On the other hand, the possibility of having a chat-only session with a psychologist gives access to psychotherapy for people who were never able to receive help before. Whether due to a speech impairment, overwhelming guilt, or the inability to face certain fears, teletherapy offers hope to those who once thought seeking help was impossible.

Despite the way psychologists have been portrayed in movies and the media in recent years, there is still a common belief that only “crazy” people need to see a psychologist.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Psychologists have studied the human mind and behavior and are trained to help people with everyday situations such as:

• Overcoming difficult experiences that affect daily life.

• Learning how to cope with emotions that overwhelm the present moment.

• Resolving a specific personal problem.

• Changing unhelpful behavior patterns.

• Transforming unhealthy relationship dynamics.

• Getting to know ourselves better — understanding our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

• Becoming a better version of ourselves.

• Understanding our relationships with others and transforming them.

• Gaining insight into how our families function and our role within them.

The most important thing about consulting a psychologist is to understand that it must be a safe space where you can speak openly about your feelings.

You are entrusting your emotions, your vulnerability, your time, and your money to your psychotherapist — so make sure you feel comfortable enough to freely discuss your thoughts, doubts, struggles, and emotions.

A psychologist is not there to judge you, but to listen to how you perceive your own reality and to help you find solutions. Feel free to talk about your expectations, especially during the first session.

“Courage is asking for what you need.” — Brené Brown

The first session is a privileged moment — not only to establish contact, but also to gather information and assess whether starting a therapeutic process is appropriate for you.

It is a time to break the ice and lay the foundation for a relationship based on mutual trust.

It is also the moment to express your difficulties honestly and openly, allowing the psychologist to evaluate what kind of professional support can be offered.

At the end of the first session, the psychologist will be able to define, together with you, the therapeutic goals, the steps to achieve them, and the best way to work according to your needs, resources, and challenges.

The more open and explicit this first stage is, the better results can be expected from psychotherapy. All questions regarding the frequency and duration of sessions, fees, absence and cancellation policies, etc., should be clarified at this time.

Psychotherapy is a journey — a process. And no matter how much we dislike certain behaviors or relationship patterns, there is nothing more challenging than changing a habit, a behavior, or a way of reacting to specific situations.

Change is far from automatic. Therefore, one or two sessions are rarely enough to achieve meaningful goals.

It also takes several sessions to build the level of connection and trust required to truly open your heart without hesitation.

In any case, the duration of psychotherapy depends on several factors, such as the impact of the symptoms on your life and, most importantly, the goals established during the first session.

Psychotherapy usually ends when most of these personal goals have been achieved — however, you are free to end the process at any time.

If you are ready to begin a psychotherapeutic process — if you feel ready to step through the mirror and discover who you truly are and who you can become — simply fill out the form in the contact section, and I will get in touch with you to schedule an appointment or answer any questions you may have.
I always reply on business days.

It will be an honor for me to accompany you on your journey and to witness your evolution.

Psychiatrists and medical doctors are trained to prescribe medication.
Psychologists do not have this medical training and are therefore not authorized to prescribe any medication.

For those who think psychotherapy is like paying to talk to a friend, it’s important to highlight that:

• Therapists are trained professionals.

• Therapists are objective.

• Therapy is confidential.

• Therapy is centered on you.

• Therapy has clear boundaries.

“A psychotherapist is like a coach sitting on the sidelines observing your life, while your friends are players in the game. Both are important, but the roles and perspectives are different.”
— Julie de Azevedo Hanks

Psychotherapy is meant to help you deal with the impact that a past traumatic experience still has on your present life.
The goal is to reduce painful symptoms and help you make sense of what happened — not to erase the memory.

Each country has its own regulations governing the practice of psychotherapy.
You can contact the professional licensing board in your region — or in your psychologist’s region — to ask about the regulations.
You can also ask your psychologist to show you their license.